Indians news, features and notes

Triple-A Columbus (77-61) - The visiting Clippers topped Indianapolis 5-2, scoring a pair of insurance runs in the ninth to seal the victory...RHP Paolo Espino (3-2, 4.30 ERA) earned the win in limiting the Indians to two run on three hits while striking out seven over seven strong frames...2B Cord Phelps went 2-for-3 with two doubles, a run scored and RBI...3B Jared Goedert homered and drove in a pair of runs.

Double-A Akron (69-66) - The visiting Aeros scored four runs in the first inning and never looked back, using 15 hits to defeat Trenton soundly, 10-4...RHP Steven Wright (2-1, 3.22 ERA) picked up the win with three shutout relief innings of starter and RHP Shane Lindsay...DH Jerad Head led the offensive explosion in going 2-for-6 with three RBI, a double and run scored...1B Beau Mills also had a big night at the plate, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs scored and a home run.

CLEVELAND: Most of the Indians' September callups will have to wait for Columbus' regular season and any possible playoff run to end.

Carlos Carrasco is the exception. The 23-year-old right-hander obtained from Philadelphia last year in the Cliff Lee deal will report to Progressive Field and start Wednesday's noon game against the White Sox.

""Cabrera is the only guy we're going to call-up now,'' manager Manny Acta said this afternoon. ""However, we might also call up a reliever. We're headed in that direction. In the series against Kansas City, our bullpen got beat up a little, and Mitch Talbot only went five innings last night.''

CLEVELAND: Manny Ramirez won't arrive here to join the White Sox until Tuesday, but Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen was hit with an avalanche of questions about the former Indians/Red Sox/Dodgers outfielder.

When Los Angeles put Ramirez on waivers last week, the Sox put in a claim and the Dodgers let him go without receiving compensation. However, Chicago is responsible for what is left of Ramirez's 2010 salary, $3.825 million. After Ramirez left Cleveland by way of free agency following the 2000 season, he became the bad boy of baseball, leaving Boston on bad terms and getting thrown out by an uimpire for arguing balls and strikes in his last game with the Dodgers Sunday.

Guillen said he isn't worried that Ramirez will cause problems for his team.

Triple-A Columbus (75-60) - The host Clippers doubled up Indianapolis 10-5on the strength of 14 hits and a five-run seventh inning...Newcomer and RHP Zach McAllister (9-11, 5.20 ERA) limited the Indians to three runs on seven hits over five innings to pick up the win...CF Ezequiel Carrera went 2-for-5 with two runs scored, two RBI and a triple to led the Clippers offense.

Double-A Akron (69-65) - The host Aeros saw their five-game winning streak snapped in a 7-4 loss to Erie...LHP Scott Barnes (6-10, 5.10 ERA) took the loss in dishing up all seven of the SeaWolves runs on seven hits in just four innings of work...C Miguel Perez went 2-for-4 with an RBI as only one of two Aeros player to manage double-digit hits on the afternoon at Canal Park.

CLEVELAND: Indians Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller revealed today that he is being treated for a form of leukemia that tends to strike elderly men.

Feller, who will be 92 in November, began treatment about 10 days ago at the Cleveland Clinic, where doctors gave him a blood transfusion and began administering a regimen of chemotherapy through injections.

Triple-A Columbus (74-60) - The host Clippers were shutout 8-0 by Indianapolis...LHP David Huff (7-2, 4.81 ERA) was chased from the game after just four inning in dishing up eight runs on nine hits to take the loss...LF Jordan Brown went 1-for-4 with a double.

Double-A Akron (69-64) - The host Aeros reeled off their fifth consecutive win in shutting out Erie 9-0...LHP Matt Packer (1-2, 3.60 ERA) picked up his first Double-A win by holding the SeaWolves without a run on six hits while striking out a career-high eight batters...DH Jerad head led the way on offense, going 2-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and four RBI.

Part of the Indians' plan for Reyes, recovering from Tommy John surgery, was to eventually add him to the roster and let him pitch a few innings in September, even if it was only in the bullpen (Tribe officials still consider him a starter). But mechanical problems with his delivery have slowed his progress, and lately he has been limited to working with staffers to correct the defects that have ruined his command.

Triple-A Columbus (74-60) - The visiting Clippers lost 2-1 to Louisville...RHP Carlos Carrasco limited the bats to just one run on five hits while striking out six in seven innings, but did not earn the decision...RHP Saul Rivera was tagged with the loss when he gave up a run on two hits in the ninth inning...2B Drew Sutton went 2-for-4 and drove in the Clippers only run in the sixth inning.

Double-A Akron (68-64) - Host Akron topped Erie 5-2...RHP Corey Kluber (2-2, 3.76 ERA) earned the win in holding the SeaWolves to one run on eight five hits while striking out five...DH Jerad Head smacked a two-run double and SS Cristo Arnal went 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

CLEVELAND: An influx of players to the Indians from Triple-A might be delayed if Columbus qualifies for the International League playoffs.

""We are sensitive to their situation,'' manager Manny Acta said this afternoon. ""They have the opportunity to make the playoffs, so unless there's somebody we really need to see, we will let them (Clippers) go through their process.''

Triple-A Columbus (74-59) - The visiting Clippers lopped Louisville 5-2...RHP Paolo Espino (2-2, 4.70 ERA) limited the Bats two runs while scattering six hits over seven innings for the win...DH Jordan Brown homered...RF Jose Constanza went 4-for-5 with two triples, two runs scored and an RBI.

Double-A Akron (67-64) - Host Akron had 13 hits and used a six-run seventh inning to put the finishing touches on a 12-0 shutout of Erie...RHP Alex White (8-7, 2.28 ERA) held the SeaWolves to three harmless hits over seven dominating innings while striking out five to earn the win...RF John Drennen went 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs scored, a home run and a double to lead the way on the Aeros' big offensive night.

The Indians aren't sure which LaPorta will turn out to be the genuine article: the one who is batting .095 in his past 12 games or the one who homered in three consecutive games at the end of June and beginning of July.

Rondon, who signed with the Indians as a minor league free agent in 2004 out of Venezuela, entered the season ranked by Baseball America as the Tribe's seventh-best prospect after splitting the 2009 season between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus.

Triple-A Columbus (73-58) - The visiting Clippers lost 5-4 to Toledo in 12 innings...RHP Yohan Pino allowed four runs on six hits over six innings while striking out 10, but did not figure into the decision...Three Clippers relievers combined to hold the Mud Hens scoreless for four innings before RHP Carlton Smith (1-5, 7.12 ERA) gave up the winning run in 1 2/3 inning to take the loss...DH Wes Hodges went 1-for-5 with a home run...CF Ezequiel Carrera went 2-for-6 with a triple and run scored.

Double-A Akron (65-64) - Visiting Akron used a 12-hit attack to defeat Bowie 8-1...LHP Eric Berger (5-5, 4.68 ERA) earned the win in his first start with the Aeros since returning from his first career stint in Triple-A, holding the Baysox to one hit over six innings...RHP Steven Wright picked up his fifth save in limiting Bowie to one run in three innings of relief...3B Lonnie Chisenhall went 2-for-5 with two runs scored, a double and RBI.

CLEVELAND: Michael Brantley's sprained ankle has healed enough to make manager Manny Acta optimistic that his return to center field is imminent.

""Brantley had a very good workout,'' Acta said this afternoon. ""He went through drills in the outfield and he'll take batting practice. He might be able to come off the bench tonight and start tomorrow.''

Triple-A Columbus (73-57) - The host Clippers slipped by Toledo 4-3...LHP David Huff allowed three run on seven hits over seven innings but did not earn a decision...Instead, RHP Josh Judy (3-0, 2.91 ERA) picked up the win with two innings of scoreless relief...2B Drew Sutton went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI...1B Wes Hodges went 3-for-4 with a double, home run and RBI.

Triple-A Columbus (72-57) - The host Clippers were doubled up by Toledo 4-2...RHP Carlos Carrasco (10-6, 3.77 ERA) gave up all of the Mud Hens, allowing two runs in sixth inning and two more in the eighth. On the positive side, Carrasco lasted 7 2/3 innings, striking out eight and walking just one...2B Argenis Reyes went 2-for-4 with a RBI.

Double-A Akron (64-62) - Host Akron was swept in a double header by Harrisburg, the Senators winning the first game 6-1 in eight inning then taking the night cap 2-1...I Game One, RHP Cory Kluber limited the Sens to just one run on five hits over 5 1/3 innings, but the bullpen combined to give five runs...3B Lonnie Chisenhall went 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and RBI...In the night cap, LHP Mat Packer (0-2, 4.50 ERA) took the loss, allowing both Harrisburg runs on six hits over five innings...SS Carlos Rivero went 3-for-3 with Akron's lone RBI.

Triple-A Columbus (72-55) - The host Clippers were defeated 7-5 by Scranton...RHP Yohan Pino (9-8, 5.60 ERA) dished up six runs on 13 hits and lasted just 4 2/3 innings to take the loss...2B Josh Phelps went 2-for-5 with an RBI.

Double-A Akron (63-60) - Host Akron lost 5-1 to Harrisburg, as both teams entered the night tied for third place in the Eastern League Western Division in the midst of a wild card race...RHP Alex White (7-7, 2.44 ERA) took the loss, allowing four runs (two earned) on eight hits and three walks...LF Tim Fedroff went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in the fifth inning that proved the Aeros lone run and broke up a potential no-hit bid.

DETROIT: The preliminary evaluation of Michael Brantley's twisted left ankle was good news for the Indians.

After rolling the ankle as he sprung out of the batter's box in the ninth inning Thursday night in Kansas City, Brantley went down in a heap. He had to be helped off the field, but X-rays taken at Kauffman Stadium were negative, and he was listed as day-to-day.

Here's Baseball America's Jim Callis' list of draft bonuses from the last three years. The three highest-spending teams in 2010 (Nationals, Pirates, Blue Jays) all broke the record for spending on a single draft ($11,511,500 by the 2009 Nationals).

Triple-A Columbus (72-54) - The host Clippers were defeated 9-5 by Scranton..LHP Eric Berger allowed five runs (four earned) on 10 hits in just four innings...But RHP Bryce Stowell was tagged with the loss when he dished up four runs on two hits in the ninth inning...DH Matt McBride hit a two-run home run...LF Drew Sutton went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and a double.

Double-A Akron (63-59) - The visiting Aeros used a seven-run eighth inning to top Reading 15-10 in a slugfest...LHP Kelvin De La Cruz dished up seven runs on eight hits in just four innings in the no-decision...RF Jerad Head hit a pair of home runs - giving him four in a three-game span - while going 3-for-4 with three runs scored and four RBI...SS Carlos Rivero also drove in four runs, going 2-for-5 with a double and home run.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.: The fact that the Indians have lost six of eight against teams trying to stay out of the cellar prompted manager Manny Acta to call a team meeting this afternoon.

""I have the right to tell them that we're not happy with the way they're playing,'' he said. ""I know we're not a better club with the guys we lost (Grady Sizemore to injury, Jhonny Peralta, Austin Kearns, Kerry Wood, Jake Westbrook, Russell Branyan to trades), but we have to compete.''

Triple-A Columbus (72-53) - The host Clippers were defeated 9-2, sparked by Scranton's 15-hit attack...LHP David Huff (7-1, 3.99 ERA) took the loss in allowing four runs on seven hits - including a home run - over six innings...RHP's Carlton Smith and Shane Lindsay combined to dish up five more runs in relief...C Luke Carlin went 2-for-3 with a home run.

Double-A Akron (63-59) - A pair of late errors doomed the visiting Aeros as Akron fell 3-2 in 10 innings to Reading...A fielding error by 1B Beau Mills followed by a throwing error by 2B Jason Kipnis led to the R-Phils victory...LHP Scott Barnes did not earn a decision despite limiting Reading to two runs on four hits over six solid frames...DH Jerad Head extended his hitting streak to 16 games with his second home run in as many games, a two-run shot in the fourth inning that provided all of the Aeros offense.

KANSAS CITY, Mo: Travis Hafner is not in the lineup tonight against the Royals, but that does not mean his shoulder is aching or feels fatigued again.

""We're playing him four or five times a week,'' manager Manny Acta said this afternoon. ""But he'll be off tonight, particularly with a left-handed pitcher going for them. After that, he'll play four games in a row, and all against righties.''

* The American League All-Stars defeated the National League All-Stars 4-3 Tuesday night in the New-York Penn League All-Star Game played at Richmond County Bank Ballpark in Staten Island...Mahoning Valley had three representatives participate in 2B Dan DeGeorge, RHP Alex Kaminsky and RHP Owen Dew for the American League team...DeGeorge went 0-for-2 and Kaminsky pitched one inning, giving up one run on a home run.

* Indians rehabbing LHP Aaron Laffey made his first rehab appearance for low Class-A Lake County Monday. He allowed one hit and struck out three batters in one inning of work.

Triple-A Columbus (72-52) - The host Clippers used a 12-hit attack to defeat Scranton Wilkes-Barre 5-1...RHP Carlos Carrasco (10-5, 3.71 ERA) enjoyed another strong outing, giving up just one unearned run while scattering five hits and striking out six over seven innings...CF Ezequiel Carrera led the way on offense, going 3-for-4 with a double, RBI and two runs scored.

Double-A Akron (63-58) - Visiting Akron split an unconventional double header with Reading, first winning the suspended game 8-7 - fueled by RF Jerad Head's two home runs and five RBI...In the second seven-inning game, the R-Phils hung on for a 9-7 victory over the Aeros...LHP Matt Packer (0-1, 4.74 ERA) was rocked for nine runs on nine hits - including three home runs - in five innings of work...1B Beau Mills hit a three-run home run...Still, the split allowed the Aeros to move into a tie with Harrisburg for third place in the Eastern League Western Division.

What's wrong with the right-handed starter? Nothing, and the Indians want to keep it that way. A prevailing theory that has been adopted by virtually all major-league teams is that starters 25 and younger should be strictly limited in the number of innings they throw per season. Shoulder and elbow fatigue can lead to injury, and it has been postulated that 200 innings or more can put these starters in harm's way.

Instead of shutting Tomlin down entirely with a few weeks to go in the season, manager Manny Acta has elected to have Tomlin skip at least one turn and maybe more. Consequently, he won't start again until Saturday against the Tigers at Comerica Park.

It certainly got down to the wire, but the Indians were able to sign their top three draft picks in LHP Drew Pomeranz (first round, fifth overall pick), CF LeVon Washington (second-round pick) and prep SS Tony Wolters just minutes before Monday's midnight signing deadline.

Pomeranz, the Ole Miss SEC Pitcher of the Year, was originally was selected by the Texas Rangers out of high school in the 12th round of the 2007 draft. But he opted to go to college instead, where he established himself as one of the dominant collegiate arms in the country.

The Indians signed their fourth round draft pick, right-hander Kyle Blair, this afternoon, with a midnight deadline bearing down on them to negotiate terms for their top three choices.

Blair, who turns 22 on Aug. 27, posted an 8-4 record and 2.84 earned-run average as a junior at the University of San Diego. In 98 1/3 innings, he gave up 79 hits and 28 walks, while striking out 126. His batting average against was .218.

Triple-A Columbus (70-53) - The host Clippers defeated Louisville 7-3, sparked by a four-run second inning...RHP Yohan Pino (9-7, 5.37 ERA) scattered nine hits over six shutout innings, striking out five en route to the win...1B Wes Hodges and DH Matt McBride each homered, with McBride also going 2-for-4 with a double and run scored.

Triple-A Columbus (70-52) - The host Clippers shutout Louisville 1-0...RHP Paolo Espino (1-1, 2.75 ERA) limited the Bats to just three hits over seven solid frames to earn the win...RHP's and relievers Bryce Stowell and Vinnie Pestano combined to add to add a pair of scoreless innings, Pestano notching his 11 save of the season...The Clippers lone run came on LF Matt McBride's fourth-inning sacrifice fly.

Double-A Akron (61-57) - Following a 59-minute rain delay, the host Aeros smashed New Britain 12-2 on the strength of 20 hits...RHP Alex White (7-6, 2.39 ERA) limited the Rock Cats to one run on three hits over six solid frames to pick up the win...3B Lonnie Chisenhall led the way on offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and five RBI.

CLEVELAND: For the second day in a row, Travis Hafner took batting practice and felt fine afterward.

Hafner was eligible to come off the disabled list today but won't be activated until at least Sunday. He has been on the DL with inflammation in his right shoulder. Though Hafner will not play against the Mariners tonight, a decision probably will be made some time before tomorrow on wheter he will rejoin the team or spend a couple of days on a rehab assignment to give him a few at-bats against live pitching.

CLEVELAND: The question was premature, but nonetheless relevent to the way the Indians assemble their 2011 roster.

Who will play center field, Grady Sizemore or Michael Brantley? Sizemore has missed the entire 2010 season after undergoing microfracture surgery on his knee. Brantley is in the midst of his rookie season and has not yet established himself as a fixture on the club.

Reyes retired only three batters but gave up seven runs on one hit, six walks and three wild pitches. It's natural for people to speculate that Reyes must have suffered a relapse in his recovery from right elbow reconstruction surgery, which is why he is on a rehab assignment.

Triple-A Columbus (68-51) - The visiting Clippers lost 7-3 to Syracuse...LHP Eric Berger (0-1, 5.23 ERA) continues to struggle since being promoted from Double-A Akron, allowing seven run on 11 hits over five innings to suffer the loss...SS Stephen Sutton went 2-for-3 with two RBI to lead the way on offense.

Double-A Akron (58-57) - The host Aeros lost 7-6 to Reading...Indians rehabber and RHP Anthony Reyes allowed all seven runs in an inning-plus. Although Reyes (0-2, 25.41 ERA) gave up just one hit, he walked six and threw three wild pitches in the loss...For as wild as Reyes was, LHP and newcomer Matt Packer was as solid, limiting the Phillies to just three hits and no runs the rest of the way...SS Carlos Rivero and new C Juan Apodaca each blasted two-run home runs.

CLEVELAND: David Huff is back in Columbus and for the same reason he was demoted earlier in the season.

""He needs to command his fastball,'' manager Manny Acta said this afternoon. ""I've said it over and over. We need him to be good for us to move forward. He proved in the past that he has the stuff to be successful up here.''

But not lately. Huff was recalled from Triple-A on Aug. 3 and made two starts, giving up eight runs in 9 2/3 innings, losing both games. Overall, he is 2-11 with a 6.21 ERA.

CLEVELAND: Mitch Talbot's three-inning rehab assignment at Mahoning Valley on Monday was uneventful, which was good news for the Indians.

""Everything went very well,'' manager Manny Acta said this afternoon. ""He threw 33 pitches in three innings then threw 17 more on the side. if he doesn't have any problems by the end of today, he should be able to take back his spot in the rotation on Saturday.''

Triple-A Columbus (67-47) - Following a sweep by host Buffalo Sunday, the Clippers were postponed at Syracuse Monday due to weather....A double header is scheduled for today... It was recently announced that Clippers skipper Mike Sarbaugh will be the manager of the Peoria Javelinas of the Arizona Fall League. In July, he was a coach for the US Team at the XM Future’s Game in Los Angeles.

Double-A Akron (58-55) - The Aeros enjoyed a scheduled day off Monday...The team is back in action Tuesday, when they kick off a six-game home stand against Reading and New Britain.

Triple-A Columbus (67-47) - Visiting Columbus lost 6-3 to Buffalo...RHP Paolo Espino (0-1, 4.26 ERA) allowed four runs on six hits and three walks to take the loss...RF Jerad Head went 3-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI and run scored.

Double-A Akron (58-55) - The visiting Aeros were crushed 11-3 as New Britain avoided a series sweep...RHP Alex White (6-6, 2.45 ERA) gave up seven runs on eight hits - including two home runs - in the loss...RF John Drennen went 2-for-4 with a home run and RBI...C Miguel Perez went 2-for-4 with a double and RBI.

The Akron Aeros are offering free tickets to potential Eastern League post-season games at Canal Park this season beginning Monday at 10 a.m.

Tickets can be purchased in person, over the phone or online. According to the team, the only fee for the Aeros playoff tickets will be a $1 convenience charge for fans purchasing tickets online at www.akronaeros.com.

CLEVELAND: If Mitch Talbot has no ill effects from his three-inning rehab start tonight at Mahoning Valley, manager Manny Acta looks for him to be activated from the disabled list, probably for a weekend start against the Mariners at Progressive Field.

The return of Talbot, on the DL since July 30 with mid-back strain, will force an alteration in the rotation. Who will be optioned to Columbus? David Huff and Jeanmar Gomez are the obvious candidates.

Huff has more experience as a big-league starter, but Gomez has pitched well in his three major-league outings. It might depend on how they perform this week.

Triple-A Columbus (67-46) - Visiting Columbus lost 6-2 to Buffalo...In his first start since returning from the disabled list, RHP Carlos Carrasco gave up three runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings...RHP's and relievers Jess Todd and Josh Judy combined to dish up the final three Bisons runs...C Damaso Espino drove in the lone RBI...2B Argenis Reyes was the only Clippers batter to manage multiple hits, going 2-for-4 with a run scored.

Double-A Akron (58-54) - The visiting Aeros out slugged New Britain 10-6...LHP T.J. McFarland allowed six ruins (five earned) on nine hits and two walks over four innings in his Double-A debut...3B Lonnie Chisenhall went 3-for-5 with a pair of home runs, giving him 14 on the season...RF John Drennen went 2-for-5 with a double and three RBI.

Former Aeros OF/IB Matt McBride was named the Eastern League Player of the Month for July on Friday.

McBride, who was promoted to Triple-A Columbus July 29th, led the E.L. in a majority of the circuit's offensive categories through 23 July games. He batted .364 (32-for-88) while leading Akron to an 18-9 record, including racking up a league-leading 11 home runs and 29 RBI to go along with a a .852 slugging percentage, 1.271 OPS and 75 total bases.

Triple-A Columbus (67-46) - Visiting Columbus was thrashed 11-4 by Buffalo...LHP Jeremy Sowers delivered five innings of shutout baseball - limiting the Bisons to just one hit over five innings while striking out five...But Sowers finished with a no decision when reliever and RHP Carlton Smith gave up seven runs on five hits in just one inning of work...1B Matt McBride went 3-for-5 with a double...CF Michael Brantley went 2-for-5 with a double and two runs scored.

Double-A Akron (56-54) - The visiting Aeros continued their recent freefall, losing their season-high tying sixth consecutive game as Altoona completed a series sweep with a 6-1 win...LHP Kelvin De La Cruz (4-6, 4.54 ERA) took the loss despite allowing just one earned one (four unearned) over five innings...LHP Nick Hagadone followed De La Cruz and also did not allow an earned run (two unearned) in three innings of relief...3B Lonnie Chisenhall was the only Aeros player to drive in a run...RF John Drennen and LF Tim Fedroff each went 2-for-4.

The Aeros roster was affected in three ways Thursday afternoon when CA Damaso Espino was promoted to Triple-A Columbus, CA Juan Apodaca was acquired from the Boston Red Sox organization and activated and Indians RHP Anthony Reyes was was recalled off his rehab assignment to Cleveland.

Espino had been Akron’s everyday catcher for the majority of the season, batting .250 in 59 games. The 27-year-old native of Los Santos, Panama, joins his cousin and RHP Paolo Espino, who was promoted Tuesday to Columbus.

Major League Baseball sent out the following statment Thursday afternoon after reviewing video from Tuesday's near-fight in Boston:

"Major League Baseball has issued discipline to six players and a coach stemming from the on-field incident that occurred in the eighth inning of Tuesday’s game between the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Bob Watson, Vice President of On-Field Operations for Major League Baseball, made the announcement.

Triple-A Columbus (67-45) - Host Columbus scored two late runs in the eighth inning to slip past Louisville 9-8...RHP Yohan Pino was pounded for eight runs on nine hits - including three home runs -in just 5 1/3 innings, but did not figure into the decision...C Richard Martinez, fresh up from high Class-A Kinston, led the way offensively for the Clippers, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and four RBI.

Double-A Akron (56-53) - The visiting Aeros lost 5-1 to Altoona, as the Curve pounded Akron pitching for 13 hits while the Aeros managed just two hits all game...Newcomer and RHP Corey Klubber (0-1, 6.75 ERA) took the loss in his Eastern League debut, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits and five walks in just four innings...The Aeros two hits were by 2B Jason Kipnis, who tripled and homered to drive in Akron's lone run.

BOSTON: Now that Carlos Santana is on the disabled list for an extended period and Travis Hafner's injury will keep him out of the lineup for at least another week, who is supposed to drive in runs in the middle of the Indians' lineup?

At first manager Manny Acta smiled when asked that question this afternoon, knowing that there is no good answer. ""We still have to show up and play hard,'' he said. ""Even when those guys were here, we were at the bottom of the league in runs.''

Triple-A Columbus (66-44) - Host Columbus lost to Louisville 4-3 in 12 innings...RHP Paolo Espino made his Triple-A debut - allowing just two runs on six hits over seven innings - but did not figure into the decision...LF Jerad Head went 1-for-5 and drove in two of the Clippers three runs on the evening.

Double-A Akron (56-52) - The Aeros were swept in a double header at Altoona by scores of 3-2 (in 10 innings) and 4-3...Newcomer and LHP Matt Packer made his Double-A debut in Game One, allowing just two runs (one earned) on six hits while striking out six over seven innings....1B Beau Mills went went 2-for-3 with a double...In Game Two, Aeros RHP Alex White (6-5, 1.84 ERA) took the loss after giving up four runs on seven hits in just five innings...2B Jason Kipnis went 2-for-3 with a triple and two RBI.

Indians minor league 1B/DH Wes Hodges was claimed by the Colorado Rockies off outright waivers Tuesday. Hodges was designated for assignment last week when Triple-A Columbus RHP Josh Tomlin was added to the 40-man roster.

Hodges, 25, was originally drafted by the Tribe in the second round of the 2006 draft out of Georgia Tech.

BOSTON: First indications are that Carlos Santana's left knee is not seriously damaged from a collision at the plate in the Indians' 6-5 win over the Red Sox tonight at Fenway Park.

""Carlos tested well with the trainers, meaning they don't feel there is serious damage to his ACL,'' manager Manny Acta said after the game. ""He's leaving for Cleveland tomorrow for an MRI, then we'll know more.''

In a seventh-inning play at the plate, Ryan Kalish of the Red Sox slid into Santana, culminating with the catcher lying on the ground in pain while medical staffers rushed to his aid.

Kalish was trying to score from second on a single to right by Daniel Nava, but Shin-Soo Choo threw out the runner, whose path to the plate was blocked by Santana. However, the catcher seemed to twist his leg in an odd position and eventually his knee was wrapped in an inflatable cast and he was carried off the field on an electric cart.

Triple-A Columbus (66-43) - Visiting Columbus was tied 2-2 with Louisville in the top of the 11th inning when this blog was completed...At that time CF Michael Brantley was already 4-for-5 with three doubles and an RBI.

Double-A Akron (56-50) - Host Akron was slammed 11-3 by Reading as Indians rehabbing RHP Anthony Reyes was rocked for nine runs on six hits and four walks in just 1 2/3 innings...DH Lonnie Chisenhall homered for the second consecutive game, going 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs and two RBI.

TORONTO: Ask manager Manny Acta who will start Tuesday night against the Red Sox, and he'll say he doesn't know if he'll be alive by then, so he won't know the answer until Monday.

It's a joke, folks, but the Indians' rotation is not, at least the Tribe's deep thinkers hope it isn't. Right now, the starters include Fausto Carmona, Justin Masterson and Josh Tomlin. Mitch Talbot is on disabled list for at least one more start and maybe more. Jeanmar Gomez is in the rotation for now; he is pitching today and probably will stay for the time being.

By the time the Indians defeated host Toronto Saturday afternoon, the team was minus two more veterans - originally-scheduled starting pitcher Jake Westbrook and closer Kerry Wood.

Westbrook was shipped to St. Louis an hour before the game, while Wood earned a promotion to the New York Yankees in the middle of all the action. The move was made for the infamous player to be named, a transaction that must be completed on or before October 15.

Triple-A Columbus (66-43) - Visiting Columbus was crushed 10-2 by Louisville...RHP Marty Popham took the loss in his Triple-A debut, dishing up six runs on nine hits and three walks in just four innings...C Lou Marson provided all of the Clippers offense with a two-run home run in the ninth inning to break up the shutout.

Double-A Akron (56-49) - Host Akron lost 8-6 to Reading in 10 innings...LHP Scott Barnes limited the Phillies to three runs while scattering six hits - including two home runs - but took a no-decision after RHP and closer Omar Aguilar blew the save...CF Jordan Henry went 4-for-5 with a triple, RBI and two runs scored...3B Lonnie Chisenhall homered in the third inning.